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The Future of Red Hat Amphitheater
Photos by Robert Pettus
Raleigh’s Red Hat Amphitheater is a vital economic engine for downtown businesses, including the arts and entertainment ecosystem of bars, restaurants, hotels, and retailers that serve and employ people from across the area. Even smaller downtown entertainment venues like The Pour House, King’s, Neptune’s Parlour, Slim’s, and Ruby Deluxe benefit when that ecosystem is healthy and thriving.
However, the popular outdoor amphitheater is at risk of being permanently closed as the Raleigh Convention Center expands its footprint. This would have a significant negative impact on downtown Raleigh that would be felt throughout the greater Triangle. Local employers who recruit based on the culture, walkability, vibrancy, and quality of life downtown would be directly hurt if the amphitheater were closed.
Red Hat Amphitheater was originally conceived as a temporary venue built on land that would eventually accommodate the expansion of the Raleigh Convention Center. In 2023, Raleigh City Council and Wake County Board of Commissioners agreed upon the use of the Inter-Local Hospitality Tax Funds to support new hospitality and tourism projects such as the renovation of PNC Arena, expansion of the convention center, and building a new Red Hat Amphitheater near its present site. The fund is made up of revenue generated from taxes on hotel rooms and prepared food sales in Wake County. Now that the convention center expansion has been
funded, the amphitheater must be relocated. At issue is the potential closure of South St. between Dawson St. and McDowell St., which is necessary for the new amphitheater’s footprint one block south. Initial plans released in February 2023 intended to close a block of Lenoir St.; however, the plan shifted the proposed closure to South St. because moving existing infrastructure and utilities along Lenoir St. would make the project cost prohibitive.
There is no other site downtown that can accommodate a venue of this size, and the site plan cannot be modified to keep South St. open. If the street closure required for the move is not approved by the City Council, the amphitheater will not be built downtown.
David Meeker, co-owner of downtown Raleigh restaurant and bar establishments Trophy Brewing, State of Beer, and Young Hearts Distilling, said that while concerns from nearby residents over the closure of South St. must be respected, the benefits of the amphitheater to the downtown economy are overwhelming.
“I could see the Council perceiving this as a 50/50 issue because downtown businesses support Red Hat, and some of the Boylan Heights neighbors are against it,” Meeker said. “But, if you zoom out, thousands of people from other areas of Raleigh and the Triangle come downtown for shows every summer and have a magical experience. Those folks can’t even believe we are having a debate about keeping Red Hat. They love it.”
Benefits to DTR economy/Greater Triangle
The Triangle has a reputation as having a thriving music culture, and Raleigh’s downtown amphitheater has been a major contributor to that vitality. As a midsized outdoor venue with a festival-style atmosphere, the amphitheater attracts significant revenue-generating bookings that downtown Raleigh would otherwise miss. Local artists, promoters, record labels, and production pros across the Triangle benefit when touring bands, festivals, and local music showcases fill the amphitheater schedule.
In 2023, the amphitheater produced $17.6 million in total economic impact from 26 concerts, bringing significant benefits to downtown businesses. Total attendance last year was 98,415, which yielded 65,189 overnight visitors. On event days, the amphitheater supports approximately 130 staff positions, typically paid hourly wages of $20 per hour or more, according to Live Nation.
For the 2024 concert season, the venue will host more than 50 concerts. To date, more than 260,000 tickets have been sold. With nearly 100 days of event programming scheduled this year, the amphitheater will bring an estimated $30+ million in economic impact, its largest annual return on record. The current amphitheater is scheduled to operate through the end of 2025 as the new venue is developed in time for the 2026 concert season.
We rely on the amphitheater to bring much-needed foot traffic to Downtown Raleigh. This is even more
important as preferences toward hybrid and remote work are more common, and fewer office workers are in downtown during the week. Downtown business owners report that they can see sales more than double when there’s an event at the amphitheater. Higher foot traffic also helps enhance safety and security in the area on show nights.
“At State of Beer, we have weekend-level sales every time there is a show, and at Trophy on Morgan St., our sales are up at least 20 percent on show nights,” said Meeker. “After some hard years, this summer’s lineup of 50 shows at Red Hat has been a reminder of why we do business downtown.”
The seasonal downtown Ice Rink is also hosted at the amphitheater, bringing families downtown and boosting visitor traffic during winter months. Because of site requirements, there is no other place to put the Ice Rink without the amphitheater. Moore Square is not graded sufficiently and lacks the required power infrastructure, and the former location in City Plaza is no longer available.
New venue
Red Hat Amphitheater currently has a capacity of roughly 6,000. The new venue is expected to have a capacity of 6,000 to 6,500. Maintaining capacity
comparable to the existing facility will ensure that the venue retains its market position and its ability to attract national artists and promoters.
In the current setup, Lenoir St. – which connects downtown to neighborhoods to the west – sees regular temporary closures when shows load into the amphitheater. The new design includes a loading zone off Dawson St. at South St., which will not require closures to any streets and will allow Lenoir to stay open year-round.
The most likely way people will choose to get around the closure on South St. is Lenoir St., one block north. The intention is for Lenoir St. to remain open to vehicular traffic and to redesign it to create an inviting, curbless street that will enhance bike and pedestrian movement. Emergency response will not be impacted by the closure of this section of South St.
City staff members are working with the N.C. Department of Transportation to create a “slip lane” that would allow drivers traveling eastbound on South St. to connect to McDowell St. to head in a northbound direction or reconnect with South St. and continue traveling east. A slip lane allows road users to change roads without entering an intersection.
Parking will remain very much the same as it is now, with numerous deck, on-street, and surface lot options nearby. In addition, the new location will substantially reduce noise levels for residents in neighborhoods
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to the south and west, including Boylan Heights. A “pocket park” is also being proposed on City-owned land at the intersection of Dawson and South Streets. The park could be incorporated into the Heritage Walk or the Chavis-Dix Strollway and encourage walking, biking, and socializing along the pathway.
Groundbreaking for the new amphitheater is anticipated to occur during the first quarter of 2025. This timing is necessary for expansion of the Convention Center to begin on schedule. The project is timed to coincide with the opening of the new 500+ room Omni Hotel in 2028, which is dependent on the convention center expansion, currently in the design phase. Project architects are working to preserve popular features of the existing skyline, such as the Shimmer Wall.
Speak out
Our amphitheater is the beating heart of music, memories, and the outdoor concert experience in downtown Raleigh. It is a vital economic engine for downtown and one of our most popular public amenities. Meeker emphasizes that music and cultural vitality are powerful attractors for the younger generation who will be critically important to the evolution of downtown. “Let’s keep the fun things like Red Hat and add more,” he said, “not lean into the “Keep Raleigh Boring” meme that’s going around.”
Failure to build the new venue would result in tours skipping Raleigh for Wilmington and Charlotte. Durham has plans for an outdoor amphitheater that would attract the types of tours that currently come through Raleigh. This happened when Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) opened in 2008, taking Broadway shows and other events away from downtown Raleigh’s Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts.
The South St. closure requires City Council approval in September, and Raleigh residents are encouraged to make their voices heard. Council members representing Raleigh’s five City Council districts can be found here: www.raleighnc.gov/city-council and emailed here: citycouncilmembers@raleighnc.gov. Anyone who wants to speak out during the Public Comment phase can register here: https://raleighnc.gov/petition-address-city-council.
From Staff reports and resources courtesy of Downtown Raleigh Alliance and the City of Raleigh
Publisher’s Note: “One incorrect relocation narrative that exists is that Dix Park Conservancy CEO (and Raleigh Mayoral candidate) Janet Cowell has expressed interest in moving the Amphitheater to Dix Park, which she does not. The Conservancy has long mentioned a future amphitheater of their own at Dix, but on a much smaller scale, 3000 seats or less, and has no interest in absorbing Red Hat.
Janet clarified, “We would love to have a more intimate and local event space at Dix, but nothing of Red Hat’s scale, something less invasive to the park setting that features smaller local productions. Regarding Red Hat, it has surely been a boon to nearby businesses. I completely understand the desire to keep this popular venue operating within the footprint of our City’s center. The Boylan Heights neighborhood has expressed concern about potentially losing two of their east/west connectors (South Street with the new amphitheater location and a project related to the S-line railway that will also close Cabarrus), leaving Lenoir as their only nearby throughway to downtown. There are other alternatives in talks that I hope will meet everyone’s needs, and Red Hat can continue to bring much-needed traffic and visitors to the area.”
a $20 share of fresh produce (a $50+ value!) Take what you can use. We’ll donate what you leave. Eat good. Do good. We are a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit. Sign up or order your share now at www.produceproject.org.
Photo Robert Pettus, RDP Photography
Outdoor Concerts and Movies at the North Carolina Museum of Art
By David Menconi
As always, the North Carolina Museum of Art’s late summer and fall lineup of outdoor concerts is heavy on star power. This year’s schedule includes almost three-dozen acts who have won a total of 55 Grammy Awards out of a staggering 207 nominations.
“The theme of our season is blank space and JOY, in all-caps,” says Moses T. Alexander Greene, the museum’s director of performing arts and film since the fall of 2020. “We want people to enjoy, connect with and engage with joy. So much is going on in the world today, so much loss and societal things. We want this season to reflect what brings people joy. We’re trying to curate experiences where people can feel that on their own terms.”
The schedule this year covers a wide range of 20-plus styles including jazz, gospel, R&B, Americana, alternative rock, folk, salsa, and children’s music. A few more shows are still to be announced, which will bring the lineup to a total of 17 concerts. This year’s schedule will also include a number of movie screenings focused on music, starting with “Purple Rain” accompanied by a dance-party deejay set, plus the usual showings of low-admission blockbuster movies.
The museum’s 2024 outdoor concert count represents a healthy increase from recent years – up from 13 concerts last year and 11 in 2022 – following the years when the pandemic shut everything down. For all the stylistic variety, jazz is the dominant genre with seven “Jazz at the NCMA” shows.
“The jazz series has become something that feels like a love letter I get to give to the city of Raleigh every year,” says Greene. “And it’s not even really from me. It came from going out into the park during the pandemic and asking people what they thought was missing. Jazz came from that.”
Indeed, more than half of the attendees at last year’s NCMA jazz shows were first-time ticket holders for any museum program.
“It was 51 percent, an amazing statistic,” says Greene. “It shows that we’ve answered a need that was there. We’re betting on what people say they want.”
2024 Outdoor Concerts
(Outdoor concerts and movies are graciously presented by First Citizen’s Bank)
https://ncartmuseum.org/events
•Andrew Bird, Amadou & Mariam, Aug. 20
•Concert For Kids: Pierce Freelon, Aug. 24
• African American Cultural Festival Presents: P.J. Morton, Avery Sunshine, Aug. 30
• Opera in the Park with the North Carolina Opera, Sept. 12
•Guster, Sept. 28
• Movie/music event: “Batman” with soundtrack performed by 50-piece orchestra directed by James Olmstead, Oct. 4
2024 Outdoor Movies
“Wonka,” Sept. 7
“Kung Fu Hustle,” Sept. 13
“ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” double feature, Sept. 14
“Mamma Mia!” sing-along double feature, Sept. 27
“Spirited Away,” Oct. 5
“Sister Act” double feature, Oct. 12
About the author: 2019 Piedmont Laureate David Menconi was music critic at The News & Observer in Raleigh for 28 years and has also written for publications including Billboard, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, SPIN, The Bluegrass Situation and No Depression. His fifth book, “Oh, Didn’t They Ramble: Rounder Records and the Transformation of American Roots Music,” was published in October 2023 by University of North Carolina Press.
Portions of this article originally appeared on the visitRaleigh.com website and are featured here through a collaborative partnership with Visit Raleigh and Triangle Downtowner Magazine. The Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (aka visitRaleigh) is the official and accredited destination marketing organization for all of Wake County.
locallifestyledining,
and
From the Publisher
topics of interest to
readers. We highlight high density areas across the Triangle as well the busy communities around them.
Our magazine features positive, local content with articles written by local authors and photos by local
Calling all passionate writers! Do you have an undying love for all things local, helping to promote small business, or perhaps you’re a big supporter of a particular Triangle city, town, or area? Dive into some of our article topics below and see what sparks your fire:
• Spotlighting vibrant local businesses
• Unveiling the latest culinary delights in new restaurants
• Connecting at dynamic networking events
• Capturing the essence of art gallery exhibit openings
• Delving into the realm of technology and innovation
• Unleashing the entrepreneurial spirit
•Engaging in thought-provoking artist and musician interviews
•Uncovering real estate developments and trends
•Offering invaluable financial/legal tips and advice
•Immersing in community business events
•Highlighting the arrival of new Triangle companies
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• Discovering new startups
• Exploring venture capital and angel investing
• Advocating for sustainability and social responsibility
• Celebrating inspiring success stories
• Fueling economic development
• Empowering others to grow their businesses
• And so much more.
If you’re ready to join our passionate team, send us a message to writers at welovedowntown dot com. Share with us what ignites your passion and don’t forget to include a few links or examples of your work. We look forward to collaborating with you to craft compelling stories that showcase all the greatness throughout the Triangle. Let’s bring the local community to life through the power of your words and images!
Cheers,
Publisher, Triangle Downtowner Magazine • 919.828.8000
Residential & Commercial Realtor • 919.828.8888
I proudly donate 10% of listing commissions to my clients’ favorite local charities. I would be honored to help sell your home, search for a new one, or work with you on any commercial real estate needs. Join me on Facebook and Instagram at @crashrealtor and LinkedIn at @crashgregg.
“All the hits”
ACROSS
1.Communication
regulator
4.One who handles a nuisance
10.Put in stitches
14.Some investments, for short
15. Obsolescence
16.Tertiary period
19. 90s hit
24.Chainsmokers hit
25. Sounds of woe
26.Cleaning bar
27.“Cool!” in the 90s
28.Bread maker
29.Rodent
30.Subj. for immigrants
31.Teemed
35. Approves
36.Vaccinations
37.Infuriate
38.90s hit
50. PC
51.Massachusetts has four
52.‘All My Children’ vixen
53.Bedroom furniture
54.Holding
57. Rampart part
59.Highland toppers
60.Sweet abbreviation
61.Ristorante offering
62.2000s hit
67. Adjustable
71.Building parcels
72.Up for it
76. Invalid reasoning
77.Warning signs, when red
79.Like an ice-cream holder
82.Woman in a Beatles
song
83.___ Paulo, Brazil
84.Circus performer stunts 85.80s hit 91.Domingo, for one 92. Lulu 93.Cap’n’s mate 97.Dressing for success
99.___ minimum 102.IV units
105. Bivouac 107.Corp. exec. 108.O’Hare postings 109.Lac contents
110.80s hit 111.2000s hit 116.What’s left behind 117.Remove a dress
118.Organs with drums 119.Musher’s transport 120. Currency replaced by the euro
121.“Don’t give up!”
DOWN
1.Norse love goddess
2. Are able, biblically 3.Evidence collectors 4.“Bye” 5. Twofold 6.Hurry-up letters
7.Large open vessel for liquids
8. Spanish bear 9.__Admiral
10. Breaks away 11.1970 Kinks hit
12.Some kind of a nut
13. Like some questions
14.Stravinsky or Sikorsky
17.Impecuniosity
18.Flubs
20. Compass point
21.Part of a board 22.Office computer link 23.Current types
31.Tuna type
32. ___ choy
33.Native suffix
34. It can follow west or east
36.Kind of camera, abbr.
38.Short-billed rail
39.“Tasty!”
40.Tour de France downfall substances
41.Him, to Henri
42.Paper size
43. Understand
44.Comparative suffix
45. Grave danger
46.Farsi-speaking land
47. Host of “Live! With Kelly”
48.Bakery worker
49.Goodbye from a Brit.
50. Felix, e.g.
54.Surprise!
55. Shed tears
56.La __ (Milan opera house)
57.____ gow poker
58.Flightboard abbr
60.French key
61.British sports cars
62. Duvall role in “The Godfather”
63.Kimono part
64.Corporation type
65. Differential
66.Gold units, abbr.
67.Señor’s emphatic yes
68.Scratch
69.Hawkeye player on “MASH”
70. Pork cut
72.Mock, jeer
73.Berry touted as medicinal
74.Welcome pieces
75.Overhead trains
77.___ Schwarz
78. Uncultivated
79.Half of D
80.Palmas de ___ (journalist award)
81.Fall month
83.Weightlifting maneuver
84.‘Boston Legal’ fig.
86.Changed
87.Gear
88. Chinese dynasty
89.Harrison Ford’s Solo
90.Summer month
93.Fashionable clothing store
94. Not fives or tens
95.Skedaddles
96. Area of South Africa
98. OJ judge
99.Really bothered
100. Florida seaport
101.Do-do connector
102.Moth repellent
103.Toyota
104. Petitions
106.Small amount
108. Shore soarer
112.Informal affirmative
113.Buck
114.Navy ship intro
115.Butterfly catcher
© 2024
Crossword Myles Mellor
Crash Gregg
Sai Sei Upcycle
Disrupting Raleigh’s Fashion Scene with Sustainability and Bespoke Design
The art and fashion scene in Raleigh is evolving and expanding quickly, as new artists and designers continue to move to the Triangle. One brand that stands out is Sai Sei Upcycle, bringing “Dopamine Dressing” vibes to downtown. Sai Sei Upcycle skillfully merges vintage clothing with modern design. Launched in April 2024, Sai Sei has already made a mark, working with @ MagnoliaMegan for the Miss North Carolina Pageant. The founder and designer, Heather VanWagner, is a downtown Raleigh resident and has quickly immersed herself in the Raleigh fashion scene. If you want to look like you just walked out of Carrie Bradshaw’s closet and onto the set of Sex and the City, you need to check out Sai Sei Upcycle.
VanWagner, a FIT alum and long-time NYC resident, has worked with some of the biggest names in the business, including Vera Wang and Jennifer Lopez. She was inspired to launch Sai Sei as her prior career took her around the world; however, she always found herself filling a suitcase while shopping in Asia. “The stores in Asia exude a sophisticated yet playful nature in the clothing that you just cannot find in the United States unless you are shopping for luxury brands such as Miu Miu, Prada, Gucci, etc.,” explained VanWagner.
Given its Asian influence, VanWagner wanted to ensure her brand’s name followed suit. Sai Sei comes from the Japanese word “Saisei,” which means reborn.
Every detail in this brand is carefully designed. You will see VanWagner even uses a signature stitch that she describes as looking like a heartbeat pattern. Sai Sei stays dedicated to its sustainable and circular mission throughout the design process; even the labels are created from scraps of old denim. Supporting Sai Sei also means helping other local businesses within Raleigh, as the brand sources from thrift stores like One for All Thrift on S. Wilmington and utilizes a local company for all printing.
Sai Sei is committed to inclusivity, offering a wide range of prices to fit any budget and catering to all sizes. The brand offers everything you love about vintage clothing but with a modern twist, incorporating silhouettes typically found in luxury brands. VanWagner explains how she takes the “mis-fits” and turns them into “must-haves.” Specializing in a mix of vintage treasures, 100-year-old trims, ostrich feathers, unique detailing with tulle, and even hand-painted touches. Each event showcases unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that accommodate every budget and body type. VanWagner expresses her excitement in launching her Curvy collection this August at Crank Arm Brewing, “There’s a major void in fashion for curvy women in general, but it is so apparent when shopping markets and vintage dealers here in the Triangle. I’m excited to bring my experience and knowledge working with the
curvy customer from the Jennifer Lopez brand to Sai Sei Upcycle.”
Sai Sei brings a vibrant energy to the community with its sophisticated yet playful clothing, offering a unique aesthetic rarely found elsewhere. More than just apparel, Sai Sei’s pieces are wearable art, allowing individuals to express themselves through their style.
You can find Sai Sei Upcycle showcased at local popups and markets around the Triangle, which you can follow along on its Instagram for more details @SaiSeiUpcycle or website www.SaiSeiUpcycle.com. Here are some upcoming events and collaborations: August 24th: Packapalooza at Hillsborough Street
• Market for the community welcoming students back to NC State
September (date TBD): Sex and the City-themed NY Fashion Week Party
• Collaboration with The Crowded Table Club featuring Sai Sei Upcycle collection
• Dinner Party
• Networking & New Friends https://saiseiupcycle.com www.instagram.com/saiseiupcycle
Sai Sei Owner, Heather VanWagner
Hand-bleached vintage denim
